overcook
verb (used with object)
to cook (food) longer than necessary or recommended, especially to the point of adversely affecting quality or edibility.
overcooking
-
present participleof overcook.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Knowing when the salmon is done is the only tricky part of en papillote preparations, but don’t stress: The fish’s fat helps guard against overcooking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026
“Then make sure to cool it immediately to prevent holdover temperature from overcooking the spiny little beast!”
From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2024
Cooking shrimp until well-browned without overcooking can be a difficult needle to thread.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 10, 2023
The shrimp are done when they turn from translucent gray to opaque pink, but they shouldn’t curl into rounds, which indicates overcooking.
From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2023
Abuela told us about the time Abuelo had made her grilled steak with black beans, and he’d kept overcooking the steak and undercooking the beans.
From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya
